President John Dramani Mahama has urged leaders of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to sustain engagement with the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).
He emphasized that dialogue remains essential for safeguarding peace, stability, and unity across West Africa.
Speaking at his installation as Aare Atayeto Oodua of the Source by the Ooni of Ife, at a ceremony in Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria, President Mahama addressed the growing security and political challenges confronting the sub-region.
He cautioned that the decision by Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger to withdraw from ECOWAS should not be allowed to undermine collective efforts at regional integration.
According to him, the historical, cultural, and economic bonds among West African nations are stronger than present disagreements, warning that exclusion would only heighten tensions.
President Mahama was formally installed as Aare Atayeto Oodua of the Source by His Imperial Majesty Oba Adeyeye Enitan Babatunde Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, at a colourful traditional ceremony in Ile-Ife.
The honour, conferred by the revered Yoruba monarch, recognizes his commitment to Pan-African unity, regional cooperation, and the enduring historical and cultural ties between Ghana and Nigeria.
Speaking after the ceremony, President Mahama described the honour as humbling, noting that it reflects the shared heritage of Ghana and Nigeria.
